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Cultural Exchange Through Vertical Streets and Community Connectivity

Authors:
Ziyu Chen, Yun Yi Cai
Cultural Exchange Through Vertical Streets and Community Connectivity
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The integration of vertical streets and a sinuous park fosters community connectivity in a dual-tower complex designed to accommodate both residential and commercial functions in Yiwu City.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual towers designed to enhance vertical circulation and community interaction.
02
Sinuous park connects residential and production areas, promoting social engagement.
03
Focus on mixed-use functionality, accommodating both living and working spaces.
04
Integration of cultural exchange elements, addressing the needs of diverse communities.
05
Strategic location in Yiwu City, enhancing accessibility for laborers and migrants.

INTERSECTION is located in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China. The design responds to the challenges of commercialization in a region known for producing low-cost commodities. By aiming to reshape the urban identity of Yiwu, the project focuses on enhancing connections among various communities. It specifically addresses the needs of laborers and foreign migrants who often experience a transient lifestyle. The design integrates commercial, residential, live-work, and civic spaces to create a more inclusive and engaging urban environment.

Dual-Tower Configuration

The design features a dual-tower layout that serves multiple purposes within a unified structure. This configuration blends residential and commercial uses to meet the diverse needs of people living and working in Yiwu. By creating a live-work environment, the design encourages residents to easily balance their personal and professional lives.



Vertical Streets and Connectivity

Vertical streets are a key feature of INTERSECTION, promoting continuous movement and enhancing connectivity within the towers. These passages facilitate interaction among residents and users, allowing for spontaneous encounters. The design reflects the established street patterns in Yiwu, reinforcing the local character while emphasizing communal spaces that support social integration.



Sinuous Park

A sinuous park runs through the residential block, linking the main building to the production tower at the northeast corner. This green space provides recreational opportunities and improves accessibility. It encourages social interactions among people from different backgrounds, embodying the project's focus on community vitality.



Cultural Dynamics and Urban Response

Unique aspects of INTERSECTION arise from its thoughtful integration of urban functions and response to the cultural dynamics in Yiwu. The design prioritizes the needs of the city’s inhabitants, creating spaces that foster cultural exchange and social connections. This approach effectively addresses the complexities of urban life in a commercial context, establishing a design that resonates with the local community.

The landscaped areas surrounding the towers incorporate natural elements that improve the urban experience. These features make good use of available space while promoting well-being among residents. Green roofs and terraces provide a connection to nature, adding both beauty and environmental benefits.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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